Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Legal Science, Laws that Govern Non-Profits

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Legal Science, Laws that Govern Non-Profits

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, research progress, and dissertation completion

Academic unit

HBIU College of Law and Public Policy

Total credits

120

Duration

3 years

• Analyze the intersection of federal and state laws as they pertain to the operation of tax-exempt non-profit organizations.
• Evaluate the impact of public policy initiatives on the sustainability and strategic growth of faith-based institutions.
• Design robust organizational governance structures that prioritize transparency, accountability, and ethical stewardship.
• Integrate theological and philosophical ethical frameworks into professional legal decision-making processes.
• Communicate complex legal and regulatory concepts to diverse stakeholders, including boards of directors, donors, and the public.
• Develop original research that contributes to the academic discourse on legal science within the charitable sector.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES701
• Legal Research Methods
• 3
• None
• LAW705
• Foundations of Non-Profit Law
• 4
• None
• ETH710
• Ethics and Servant Leadership
• 3
• None
• RES701 — Legal Research Methods: This course examines advanced methodologies for conducting legal research in the non-profit sector. Students analyze primary and secondary legal sources to synthesize complex arguments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LAW705 — Foundations of Non-Profit Law: This course provides an overview of the legal structures and formation requirements for tax-exempt entities. Focus is placed on fiduciary duties and regulatory compliance. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ETH710 — Ethics and Servant Leadership: Students explore the philosophical foundations of servant leadership within the legal landscape. The course emphasizes moral reasoning and accountability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• LAW715
• Advanced Tax Exemption Law
• 3
• LAW705
• MGT720
• Non-Profit Governance and Compliance
• 4
• LAW705
• RES725
• Quantitative Policy Analysis
• 3
• RES701
• HIS730
• Historical Perspectives on Public Policy
• 3
• None
• LAW715 — Advanced Tax Exemption Law: This course covers the complexities of federal tax law regarding charitable activities and prohibited transactions. Students evaluate current case law and IRS guidelines. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT720 — Non-Profit Governance and Compliance: Focus is placed on the roles, responsibilities, and legal liabilities of non-profit boards of directors. Participants analyze governance best practices for organizational longevity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES725 — Quantitative Policy Analysis: This course introduces statistical tools for evaluating the impact of non-profit policy interventions. Students apply quantitative reasoning to administrative challenges. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS730 — Historical Perspectives on Public Policy: An examination of the history of legal and policy frameworks that have shaped the charitable sector over the last century. Students trace the evolution of non-profit status in society. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• LAW801
• Employment Law for Non-Profits
• 3
• LAW705
• LAW805
• Property and Liability Risk Management
• 4
• LAW705
• BUS810
• Stewardship and Fiscal Responsibility
• 3
• None
• RES815
• Dissertation Prospectus Development
• 3
• RES701
• LAW801 — Employment Law for Non-Profits: This course covers legal issues related to staffing, volunteer management, and labor regulations. Participants identify risks and strategies for maintaining compliance. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LAW805 — Property and Liability Risk Management: Instruction focuses on the mitigation of legal risk regarding physical assets and organizational liability. Topics include insurance, premises safety, and contractual obligations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS810 — Stewardship and Fiscal Responsibility: This course evaluates the legal and moral dimensions of financial management and resource allocation within charitable institutions. Emphasis is on transparency in reporting. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES815 — Dissertation Prospectus Development: Students develop the framework and research question for their doctoral dissertation. This process includes drafting a literature review and choosing a research methodology. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• LAW821
• Constitutional Law and First Amendment Protections
• 3
• LAW705
• COM825
• Public Advocacy and Communications
• 3
• None
• MGT830
• Strategic Planning in Legal Contexts
• 4
• MGT720
• RES835
• Advanced Qualitative Research Methods
• 3
• RES701
• LAW821 — Constitutional Law and First Amendment Protections: This course explores the evolution of constitutional jurisprudence regarding free exercise, speech, and assembly within the United States legal framework. Students examine key Supreme Court precedents and the balancing of individual rights against compelling state interests in the regulatory environment. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM825 — Public Advocacy and Communications: Students study the legal frameworks governing lobbying, donor relations, and public messaging for non-profit entities. Skills include strategic communication and influence. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT830 — Strategic Planning in Legal Contexts: This course focuses on aligning long-term organizational goals with current legal realities and regulatory requirements. Leadership, adaptation, and vision are emphasized. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES835 — Advanced Qualitative Research Methods: Focus is on advanced qualitative techniques for researching organizational behaviors and legal impacts. Students practice data collection and thematic analysis. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• LAW840
• International Legal Perspectives
• 3
• None
• LAW845
• Contractual Integrity and Negotiation
• 4
• LAW705
• ETH851
• Organizational Ethics and Institutional Accountability
• 3
• ETH710
• RES855
• Research Seminar for Dissertation
• 3
• RES815
• LAW840 — International Legal Perspectives: Students investigate how international laws and treaties influence non-profits operating in global contexts. Cultural and legal complexities are addressed. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LAW845 — Contractual Integrity and Negotiation: An analysis of contract law, drafting, and negotiation strategies that protect the interests and integrity of non-profit partners. Ethical negotiation is central to the curriculum. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ETH851 — Organizational Ethics and Institutional Accountability: This course analyzes the frameworks of professional ethics, transparency, and accountability mechanisms within the nonprofit sector. Students investigate best practices for internal controls, whistleblower protections, and the ethical management of institutional public trust. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES855 — Research Seminar for Dissertation: A seminar format where students receive feedback on the progress of their dissertation research. Peer review and faculty mentoring support candidate completion. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP860
• Comprehensive Doctoral Examination
• 3
• All Core Courses
• DIS890
• Dissertation Part I
• 5
• RES855
• DIS891
• Dissertation Part II
• 5
• DIS890
• MGT870
• Professional Readiness and Leadership
• 3
• None
• CAP860 — Comprehensive Doctoral Examination: Students undergo a comprehensive review of all core legal, policy, and research materials to demonstrate mastery of the field. Passing the exam is a requirement for final dissertation submission. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DIS890 — Dissertation Part I: This initial phase of the dissertation involves extensive data collection and analysis under the supervision of a faculty chair. Candidates must demonstrate original contribution to the field. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DIS891 — Dissertation Part II: This final phase involves the completion of the dissertation manuscript and the successful oral defense before the doctoral committee. Focus is on synthesizing research, theory, and faith-informed application. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT870 — Professional Readiness and Leadership: This course prepares graduates for high-level leadership roles, emphasizing character development and professional communication. Students outline their strategy for ongoing community engagement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must hold a master's degree from an accredited institution in law, public administration, business, theology, or a closely related field. Prospective students must submit a formal application, official transcripts reflecting a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0, a statement of professional intent, and letters of recommendation that speak to the candidate's academic research potential and commitment to ethical leadership. Dissertation Requirement The dissertation serves as the culminating scholarly experience of the PhD program, requiring students to conduct original, independent research that addresses a significant legal or regulatory challenge within the non-profit sector. This project demands a high level of critical analysis, integrating complex legal theory with the practical needs of charitable organizations. Students are expected to demonstrate mastery of research methodologies while addressing how their work advances the field of legal science through an lens of ethical integrity and servant leadership. Beyond academic rigor, the dissertation provides a space for the student to articulate a faith-informed perspective on stewardship and social responsibility. By engaging in deep scholarly reflection, students explore how legal structures support the mission-driven work of their organizations. The dissertation must include a substantial analysis of how biblical principles of justice and integrity inform administrative and legal solutions, demonstrating both advanced academic competence and the character development expected of a leader within the faith-based community. This research is weighted at 10 credit hours.

• Graduation from the program requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Students must maintain continuous enrollment and demonstrate satisfactory progress through all doctoral coursework. The program demands the successful defense of the doctoral dissertation before a faculty committee, evidencing both original intellectual contribution and a commitment to the university's standards of scholarship.
• In addition to academic achievement, students are expected to exhibit spiritual maturity and a dedication to service that aligns with the institution's values. This includes participation in designated community engagement initiatives and reflection on the integration of faith and practice throughout their doctoral studies. Candidates should exemplify ethical leadership and moral integrity, demonstrating they are fully prepared to apply their specialized knowledge to serve their communities with excellence and humility.
• Career Opportunities
• General Counsel for National Non-profit Networks
• Chief Executive Officer of Charitable Organizations
• Public Policy Analyst for Faith-Based Advocacy Groups
• Legal Consultant for Tax-Exempt Entities
• Higher Education Faculty in Law and Policy
• Executive Director of Community Foundation Initiatives
• Important Notices
• The program educates ethical professionals who demonstrate technical excellence, servant leadership, professional integrity, and a commitment to apply sound principles to advance faith-based organizations, strengthen communities, and contribute responsibly.
• HBIU is a lawfully operating nonpublic faith-based postsecondary institution that maintains its status under section 1005.06(1)(f), Florida Statutes. The University annually affirms its compliance with the requirements applicable to faith-based institutions in Florida through Commission for Independent Education.
• HBIU accreditation from QAHE (for quality assurance in pre-tertiary and higher education mechanisms). QAHE offers globally recognized accreditation and quality assurance for higher education, training providers, and professional institutions worldwide. Students should consider the nature and scope of this recognition in relation to their individual certification and professional goals.
• Transfer credit is evaluated individually based on course content, credit hours, grades, institutional documentation, program requirements, and applicable university policies. Although HBIU provides academically structured programs, no institution can guarantee that another college, university, employer, licensing board, or credential-evaluation service will accept its credits or credentials. Students are encouraged to obtain advance written confirmation from the intended receiving organization.
• The program develops academic knowledge and applied competencies for service in faith-based organizations, nonprofit institutions, community programs, and related professional environments. Some occupations associated with the subject area may be regulated by governmental or professional authorities. A degree from HBIU demonstrates completion of the University's academic requirements but does not, by itself, confer professional licensure or legal authority to perform regulated services.
• Where a program is related to an external certification, eligibility is determined exclusively by the applicable certifying organization. Certification bodies may establish additional requirements involving education, examinations, experience, background screening, continuing education, or membership. HBIU does not guarantee certification eligibility or examination approval unless a formal written agreement expressly provides otherwise.
• Career and occupational information is provided to help students make informed educational decisions. Employment outcomes depend on factors such as the graduate's experience, geographic location, professional qualifications, employer requirements, economic conditions, interviewing ability, and any applicable licensure or certification requirements. Completion of a program does not constitute a promise of employment, promotion, job placement, or a particular occupational title.
• This program is delivered through online instruction. Students must have access to the technology, equipment, internet service, software, and learning resources identified in the University's technology requirements.
• Internship or field-experience participation is subject to academic eligibility, site availability, supervisor approval, and the requirements of the participating organization. The University assists students with the placement process but cannot guarantee placement with a particular organization, supervisor, location, or schedule.
• Students are responsible for reviewing the catalog, understanding program requirements, providing accurate information, meeting academic and financial obligations, and verifying whether the program supports their intended educational or professional goals.
• Completion of a University program does not authorize a graduate to use a professional title that is protected or restricted by law. Graduates must use titles that accurately reflect their education, credentials, employment role, and current licensure or certification status.
• Degree abbreviation | Ph.D. in Faith-Based Legal Science, Laws that Govern Non-Profits
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Maximum approved transfer credit | Up to 40 semester credit hours
• Minimum credits completed through the University after maximum transfer | 80 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, research progress, and dissertation completion
• Advanced faith-based legal science theory and specialization | 30 credit hours
• Research methods, statistics, and scholarly inquiry | 24 credit hours
• Professional leadership and higher-education teaching | 15 credit hours
• Advanced electives and concentration courses | 18 credit hours
• Scholarly writing and publication | 9 credit hours
• Comprehensive examination and doctoral candidacy | 6 credit hours
• Dissertation research and defense | 18 credit hours
• Total | 120 semester credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES701 | Legal Research Methods | 3 | None
• LAW705 | Foundations of Non-Profit Law | 4 | None
• ETH710 | Ethics and Servant Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• LAW715 | Advanced Tax Exemption Law | 3 | LAW705
• MGT720 | Non-Profit Governance and Compliance | 4 | LAW705
• RES725 | Quantitative Policy Analysis | 3 | RES701
• HIS730 | Historical Perspectives on Public Policy | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• LAW801 | Employment Law for Non-Profits | 3 | LAW705
• LAW805 | Property and Liability Risk Management | 4 | LAW705
• BUS810 | Stewardship and Fiscal Responsibility | 3 | None
• RES815 | Dissertation Prospectus Development | 3 | RES701
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• LAW821 | Constitutional Law and First Amendment Protections | 3 | LAW705
• COM825 | Public Advocacy and Communications | 3 | None
• MGT830 | Strategic Planning in Legal Contexts | 4 | MGT720
• RES835 | Advanced Qualitative Research Methods | 3 | RES701
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• LAW840 | International Legal Perspectives | 3 | None
• LAW845 | Contractual Integrity and Negotiation | 4 | LAW705
• ETH851 | Organizational Ethics and Institutional Accountability | 3 | ETH710
• RES855 | Research Seminar for Dissertation | 3 | RES815
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP860 | Comprehensive Doctoral Examination | 3 | All Core Courses
• DIS890 | Dissertation Part I | 5 | RES855
• DIS891 | Dissertation Part II | 5 | DIS890
• MGT870 | Professional Readiness and Leadership | 3 | None